I'm about two hours in as a dark elf and finding the magic pretty weak, they seem to be much stronger with swords and bows has anyone else found this?

Also does anyone use a shield in one hand while using magic as its annoying that you cant really block?

Cheers

Dark Elves had bonuses to Blades, Destruction, and Marksmanship in Morrowind. I'm thinkin it's the same for Skyrim.

Sorry didnt actually play any of the other games before this. I think I'm expecting a bit too much in wanting a character where I can use magic, a sword and a bow all in one.

Does anyone who is using a dark elf know if the magic is worth it and gets really powerful later on as at the moment doesnt seem that great and thinking of switching to a more blade and bow sneaky type character. Are they only any good in a one on one situation as I assume if you get seen or are in a big brawl they lose all bonus?

This has nothing to do with being a Dark Elf, really. Race choice has a minimal impact on the game.

The racial bonuses are pretty much irrelevant in terms of what your character can do. As far as I can tell, your actual skills don't control anything except what perks you can choose, so if you want to be powerful with magic or swords or stealth, you'll need to spend your perks there. The more versatile you try to make your character, the less good he'll be at any one thing.

My dark elf is a Mage, one handed weapon user and occasionally uses the bow for sneak attacks. He's powerful The magic works great with him. I often charge in with Shock spells on the left hand and my sword on the right, conjuring a flame atronach and I retreat to use restoration spells. Very effective.

Cool, do you ever use a shield in one hand and magic in the other? If you are sneaking up on an enemie do you always use the bow is magic any good for sneaking?